The revised IGC Code – a Lloyd’s Register Guidance Note
Introduction In October 2007, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided to review and update the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (the IGC Code), taking into account the latest technologies and operational practices, and the increasing size of new gas ships. The revised IGC Code was adopted on 22 May, 20141 and enters into force on 1 January, 2016. This date is when the Code takes legal effect, but the requirements will apply in practice from 1 July, 2016, to ships built (having their keel laid) on or after this date (see 1.2.1.1). One exception is the freeboard and stability requirements, which apply to existing as well as new ships. The work to revise the Code has been led by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). Lloyd’s Register has been closely involved in the project, with our specialists providing significant technical input as members of the working groups. The changes to the Code have significant implications for the design and construction of future gas ships. In this guidance note, we highlight the changes that we believe will have the most impact on designers and operators and provide an analysis of what they mean for you2.
How to use this note Throughout this Note, we refer to the revised Code as the “new” Code and the existing Code as the “old” Code. We use the same chapter headings and paragraph numbering as the new Code throughout so that you can easily cross reference. IGC Code chapter goals Under each chapter heading, the chapter’s goal is labelled in light blue and quoted in italics:
Goal To ensure that the cargo tanks are in a protective location in the event of minor hull damage, and that the ship can survive the assumed flooding conditions. Other text quoted from the IGC Code All other text taken directly from the Code is shown in small italics with the relevant paragraph numbering: 4.3.3
Cargo containment systems shall be designed with suitable safety margins:
Commentary Commentary sections describe the changes to the Code that have most impact. 4.7
Introduces requirements for partial secondary barriers and small leak protection systems.
Analysis These sections provide analysis of the preceding paragraphs’ application and implications. Analysis
The new definition in 1.2.47 is not as detailed as the one in old IGC 1.30.32. This may have an impact on how separation is achieved.
Deleted and moved sections Deleted or moved sections are marked Deletion or Move and reference the paragraph number of the old Code.
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The Code was adopted by Resolution MSC.370 (93)
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The guidance in this note does not take precedence over the requirements or interpretations found in the Code or Lloyd’s Register’s Rules.
www.lr.org/IGCcode
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